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Iranian citizens show America what you're supposed to do when an election is stolen. What were you doing after the 2001 hijacking of Democracy?
I don't remember where I was in the days after the 2001 election. I know for sure I wasn't out in the streets protesting. I remember being angry - but angry like when a sports team I follow loses in the playoffs. Not angry like I would have been if I'd known George W would spend the next 8 years showering the World with torture and pestilence and taking a virtual hot carl right on our Constitution.
Does anyone feel bad about the pathetic response we showed in 2001 when our election was stolen? I do. I'm voicing my own personal disgust with myself for not doing something.
I really believe that President Obama's victory has had a dramatic impact on the middle East already - and if the psychotic neocons of our Right Wing can keep their evil hands out of it - we just may have a road to peace in that region sooner than later. And it's the Iranian people who are showing me what it means to be a real citizen in a Democracy. Thank You - and GOOD LUCK!
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Nada, that's what the American people did. Nada.
But the American people generally don't gift a whit about politics. They vote for the most powerful person in the world based on who they would like to have a beer with. Sheesh.
June 18, 2009 1:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
There is a difference though. Al Gore... gave up... he was not fighting for us... I have to believe that if he showed an inclination to fight the results we would have gone for it.
So, yes, in a way they put us to shame... but they have more experience taking to the streets.
AND we did elect President Obama so I give us some credit for that.
June 18, 2009 2:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's essentially what I was going to write. Gore seemed almost anxious to give up. Anxious to show everyone what a patriotic martyr he could be, sacrificing himself for the good of his country.
June 18, 2009 11:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well I've learned what a creeping charlie is, but I have no idea what a "virtual hot carl" is. Rec'd
June 18, 2009 3:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not to be a smart ass, but . . . for the 2001 election I did nothing since there wasn't one. Just a FYI the Bush-Gore election was in 2000.
June 18, 2009 7:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I was right here on TPM complaining vociferously.
Things have changed notably since then. The possibility to influence what our lawmakers do, I think, has risen. Some remain steadfastly obstinate and refuse to change. Most though have succumbed to the increasing pressure of the Internet blogging community. I hope, as time passes, more citizens will avail themselves of the wealth of information the Internet has to offer.
June 18, 2009 7:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Progressivepunch.org is an excellent way to track how sound politicians are on issues. Working to give Pres. Obama a legislature which is to his left might well produce better results than we will see now. This would involve giving directly to candidates rather than through the political party apparatus.
Where were you in 2000 is a good question. Where are you now is another one with respect to the failure to impeach for trashing the Constitution. Currently John Yoo could become the next A.G. If he were impeached he couldn't.
How unrealistic you say? Well what if Cheney had been impeached for Iran-Contra.
June 18, 2009 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Well what if Cheney had been impeached for Iran-Contra."
Frankly, I was appalled that Oliver North stood there defying Congress and representatives of teh government were extolling him as a hero. His actions are completely antithetical to the core principles of the USofA. He should have been given a dishonorable discharge.
June 18, 2009 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
It isn't just Iran that shames our pathetic rolling over for the theft of the Presidency! Look at the numerous times since 2001 that "people power" in the form of angry citizens literally demonstrating their opposition to stolen/rigged elections has overturned the corrupt intentions of those in power. In part I fault Al Gore for telling people not to hit the streets which many of us wanted to and did, and millions more would have at the drop of a hat. Like the decision to only contest some counties in Florida, this was a really bad call by Gore and his campaign. The Iranians, like others since 2001 are giving us lessons in democracy and citizenship.
June 18, 2009 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was not into politics then, but I remember thinking that Bush was going to win. My conclusion wasn't based on any facts, it was just by looking at the candidates. So when Bush "won" it didn't surprise me nor did it cause me to believe that the election was stolen.
June 18, 2009 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
When Bush began selecting his cabinet as if there was no way he was going to lose, I knew it was over. The lack of any serious protest to his presumptive actions told me he will just walk into the White House like he owned the place.
June 18, 2009 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
The American people have not hit the streets since the 60's and 70's; I was there and it was great. I think that it was the only time in American history that those that "govern" were really worried. That's right they were even more worried then when the "Rebels" were on the rise in the 19th century. And because we don't have the will to fight back anymore I guareentee you that this is the biggest reason that our leaders feel they only have to pretend to pay attention to us and just feign like they really even care about the common American person. Remember the Americans that feel they are running shit feel that we are here at their behest and not the reverse. Until we find a way to fight back we deserve what we are not getting; fairly.
June 18, 2009 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hear what you're saying and agree.
The only way to send a message to our "betters" is to hit the streets once again. When they see the people in the streets they are scared shitless and oughtta be only this time around they have ruined the economy with their greed and selfishness and have lost whatever legitimacy they ever had. Were we to hit the streets in a serious way like they have in Iran I guarantee you we would have affordable, universal health care for all, a timeline for ending the two pointless wars we're engaged in and a whole host of other things they think they don't need to bother with because us little people will never "do" anything about it if they don't.
June 18, 2009 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know so many people who don't even bother to vote. Just watching these brave Iranians makes me feel foolish.
June 18, 2009 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
well, if there's something to protest about now I think it's healthcare.
Taxpayers bailed out Wall Street.
Taxpayers bailed out Detroit.
You know, they always say you should never threaten to not pay your taxes but what other leverage do we have?
We're a union aren't we?
Why don't we ever make demands?
June 18, 2009 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Problem is that the repubs staged a fake demonstration in Miami - as if the counting was a bad thing. Recall that? I do! Problem here is that you never quite know about the repubs' ability to steal elections, even via staging fake demonstrations. Many who "demonstrated" got jobs with bushco!
June 18, 2009 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Try as I might, I simply can't find a parallel between the election in Iran and the 2000 general election.
Someone please explain how the two are even remotely similar. Specific examples, please.
June 18, 2009 9:05 PM | Reply | Permalink